Skills USA is a nationwide organization; it is also a club at College of Western Idaho. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to enhance their technical and leadership skills. In Skills USA, college students can...
Overview
Earn a degree working with smart technology!
Mechatronics engineering technologists use a combination of mechanical, electrical, computer, and software skills to work with smart technologies, such as robots, automated guided systems, and computer-integrated manufacturing equipment.
What will I learn in the Advanced Mechatronics Engineering program?
The term mechatronics is a combination of “mechanisms” and “electronics,” but a degree in mechatronics incorporates so much more. CWI's mechatronics engineering technology program gives you a broad range of knowledge and skills in:
- Basics of Electricity, Electronics, Motor Basics (3 Phase)
- HMI & VFD Training
- Automation Controllers (Allen Bradley PLCs)
- Instrumentation (Sensors - Data Acquisition)
- FANUC Robotics, Pneumatics/Hydraulics
- IPC Soldering Skills
- Mechanical Adjustments
- Networking & C++
- Microcontrollers
- Wireless Communications
- Process Controls Systems
- Alternative Energy Sources
What does a mechatronics engineer do?
During this course, you will learn the skills, methodologies, and concepts needed to perform everyday tasks in this high-demand industry, including:
- How to analyze serial and parallel circuits related to DC and AC
- The fundamental knowledge of analog devices, digital devices, pneumatic devices and operation
- Basic programing concepts
- IPC soldering skills and component replacement
- Program and utilize PLC controllers to perform a given task
- Microcontroller programing and application
- Robotic operation, application, and needed skills to pass the basic FANUC robotics operation certification exam
- Make use of standard and advanced electronic components
- Troubleshoot and repair industrial systems
Do you want to earn your degree while working?
You can now earn your Advanced Mechatronics and Engineering Technology (AMET) Basic Technical Certificate (BTC) with NEW HYBRID courses to work with your schedule. Courses in this certificate path are offered in a hybrid format that is in an asynchronous online learning environment, "hands on" at home labs, as well as face to face labs. This structure provides you a flexible opportunity to learn while working part-time or full-time. All of our new courses include the following features:
- Asynchronous online learning allows you to learn theory at your own pace based on a weekly schedule
- Recorded lectures, demonstrations, and lab instructions
- At home Lab equipment provided with online demonstration videos
- Equipment included: digital multimeter, power supply, function generator, oscilloscope, breadboard, and electronic leads and components
- Face to Face lab times designed to work around common shift work schedules
- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.
- Complete more difficult labs and get help with at home labs
After completing the AMET BTC, you can continue on towards your AMET Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The second year of our AMET program is in person with a staggered schedule, alternating course days from Monday Tuesday to Thursday Friday every semester to stay worker and shift friendly. The completion of your AMET AAS degree is a great way to further your career towards promotions and new job opportunities.
Contact the Department Chair of Engineering Robert Novak for more information: robertnovak@cwi.edu
Available INDUSTRY Certifications
Mission
Our mission is to develop qualified technicians for regional companies that work in the field of manufacturing, wireless communications, medical equipment, energy production, or food processing. Our goal is to offer the highest level of training in electronics and electronically controlled equipment used in those fields.
Why This Program
This is an established, very successful program (formerly Electronics Technology) that has historically placed technicians both locally and nationally. The last few years it has adopted the skill set that is desired by industries across the country, MECHATRONICS, and now has changed the program name to better reflect the actual training that students receive. With continued investment in technology, we have enhanced our program to offer the newest, highest-level training available in Idaho, and will position the students to excel in their jobs.
Clubs
Additional Opportunities
Students learn about electricity, electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, robotics, wireless communication, renewable energy, instrumentation and industry computerized control systems (PLCs).
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs
In his fourth year at College of Western Idaho, Machine Tool Technology student, Wade Kindberg, continues to learn new skills and trades for a future career.
More technology and machines to learn with are coming to College of Western Idaho’s Mechatronics and Welding programs thanks to grants from Idaho Division of Career Technical Education.
Micron Technology, Inc. announced a new $15 billion manufacturing facility in Boise. It is the first new memory fab in the U.S. in 20 years and will create an estimated 17,000 new American jobs. As part of that expansion, Micron has named College of Western Idaho as a core education partner.
Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology student, Jacob Schott, is on his way to a full-time career with a local information systems consulting firm.
The Nagel Foundation scholarship empowers second-year career and technical education students to complete their education.
Congratulations to Bradley Dougal, a 2019-2020 Nagel Foundation scholarship recipient.